Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos with Peach Salsa Recipe

Looking to add a burst of fresh flavor to your taco night? These Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos with Peach Salsa are a game-changer! With tender, juicy chicken marinated in a zesty cilantro-lime mixture and topped with a sweet and tangy peach salsa, these tacos are as vibrant as they are delicious. They’re the perfect balance of savory, citrusy, and fruity—guaranteed to make your taste buds do a happy dance. Plus, they’re quick and easy to make, so you can have these mouthwatering tacos on the table in no time!

Why You’ll Love Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos with Peach Salsa

These tacos aren’t just any ordinary taco. Let me tell you why they’re a total crowd-pleaser:

Flavor Explosion

The cilantro-lime marinade gives the chicken a fresh, zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with the juicy sweetness of the peach salsa. Each bite is a burst of vibrant taste—salty, citrusy, sweet, and savory!

Fresh and Light

These tacos are full of fresh ingredients, making them feel light and refreshing. They’re perfect for a warm evening when you want something flavorful but not too heavy.

Quick and Easy

Ready in under 30 minutes, these tacos are great for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. No need to slave over a hot stove for hours—just marinate, cook, and assemble!

Customizable

Feel free to adjust the toppings to your liking! Want a little extra heat? Add some jalapeños. Prefer a creamy touch? Drizzle with sour cream or avocado.

Healthy

Packed with lean protein from the chicken and nutrient-rich fruits and veggies in the salsa, these tacos are both satisfying and good for you!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this tropical, citrusy taco masterpiece:

For the Cilantro-Lime Chicken:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
  The star of the show! These chicken breasts cook up juicy and tender with all the flavors from the marinade.
• Cilantro
  Fresh cilantro adds that unmistakable herbaceous flavor that brightens up the whole dish.
• Lime Juice
  Lime juice gives the chicken a refreshing tang that makes the tacos feel light and fresh.
• Olive Oil
  Helps to marinate the chicken and keeps it juicy as it cooks.
• Garlic
  Minced garlic gives the chicken a savory kick that balances out the sweetness of the salsa.
• Cumin
  A pinch of cumin adds warmth and depth to the marinade, enhancing the flavor of the chicken.
• Chili Powder
  A little chili powder brings a mild heat to the chicken and complements the other spices.

For the Peach Salsa:

• Fresh Peaches
  The sweet star of the salsa, fresh peaches bring a juicy and fruity flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken.
• Red Onion
  Adds a sharp contrast to the sweetness of the peaches and a little crunch to the salsa.
• Cilantro
  A second helping of fresh cilantro ties both the salsa and the chicken together, giving the whole dish a cohesive fresh flavor.
• Lime Juice
  A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the salsa and balances the sweetness of the peaches.
• Jalapeño (Optional)
  For those who like a little heat, a jalapeño adds a nice spicy kick to the salsa. Feel free to leave it out for a milder version.
• Salt and Pepper
  To taste, just to bring everything together and enhance all those wonderful flavors.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into these simple steps to make your tacos:

Marinate the Chicken

In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, chopped cilantro, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to create the marinade. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for extra flavor.

Prepare the Peach Salsa

While the chicken marinates, it’s time to make the salsa! Dice the fresh peaches and red onion, then toss them together in a bowl. Add chopped cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño (if using), and stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Cook the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is cooked through. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

Assemble the Tacos

Warm your taco shells, then fill each one with the sliced chicken. Spoon the peach salsa generously on top. You can also add optional toppings like sour cream, avocado, or a sprinkle of extra cilantro.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve your tacos immediately and enjoy the combination of zesty chicken and sweet peach salsa in every bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 tacos (1 taco per serving)
Calories per serving: 280 calories

Nutritional Breakdown (per taco):

• Calories: 280
• Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 380mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 14g
• Protein: 27g
• Vitamin A: 6%
• Vitamin C: 60%
• Calcium: 4%
• Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos with Peach Salsa

These tacos are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend taco night with friends and family. Here are a few ways to serve them:

As a Main Dish

Serve the tacos on their own, with a side of chips and salsa, or a refreshing salad for a light, satisfying meal.

With a Side of Rice

Serve the tacos with a side of Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice to make it a complete meal.

With a Crunchy Side

Pair the tacos with a simple coleslaw or a crunchy cucumber salad for extra freshness.

For a Taco Bar

Set up a taco bar with various toppings, like shredded cheese, sour cream, or guacamole, and let everyone customize their own tacos!

Additional Tips

Grill the Chicken for Extra Flavor

For an even smokier flavor, feel free to grill the chicken on an outdoor grill instead of cooking it in a pan. The charred edges add a wonderful depth to the dish.

Make It Spicy

If you like heat, double the amount of jalapeño in the salsa or add a drizzle of hot sauce to the tacos.

Add Avocado

For extra creaminess, add sliced avocado to each taco. It’s a delicious addition that complements the tangy salsa.

Make it Gluten-Free

Simply use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make the tacos gluten-free.

Prep Ahead

Marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 hours. You can also make the peach salsa earlier in the day, so everything is ready to go when you’re ready to cook.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more juiciness and flavor to the tacos. Just adjust the cooking time, as chicken thighs may take a little longer to cook.

Q2: How long can I store the peach salsa?
A2: The salsa is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The peaches may soften, but it’ll still be delicious.

Q3: Can I make the peach salsa without the jalapeño?
A3: Yes, you can easily leave out the jalapeño if you prefer a milder salsa. It will still be sweet and flavorful!

Q4: Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
A4: While it’s best to enjoy these tacos fresh, you can prep the chicken and salsa ahead of time. Just cook the chicken and assemble the tacos when ready to serve.

Q5: Can I use canned peaches for the salsa?
A5: Fresh peaches work best for the salsa, but if you need to use canned peaches, make sure to drain them well and chop them into small pieces.

Q6: How can I make these tacos spicier?
A6: Add more jalapeños to the salsa, or drizzle some hot sauce over the tacos for an extra kick of heat.

Q7: Can I use store-bought salsa instead of making my own?
A7: Yes, you can substitute store-bought salsa for the peach salsa, but the homemade version really adds a unique and fresh flavor.

Q8: How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
A8: Make sure not to overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, and once it reaches 165°F, remove it from the heat.

Q9: Can I make the cilantro-lime chicken with a different protein?
A9: Yes, you can swap the chicken for shrimp, pork, or even tofu if you prefer a different protein.

Q10: How do I store leftover chicken and salsa?
A10: Store the leftover chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken gently before using it in future meals.

---

Conclusion

These Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos with Peach Salsa are bursting with flavor, freshness, and just the right amount of sweetness and tang. Whether you’re hosting taco night or looking for a quick and healthy dinner, these tacos are sure to impress. They’re light, flavorful, and easy to make, and the peach salsa adds a delightful twist that will have everyone coming back for more. Give this recipe a try, and get ready to enjoy taco perfection!

Print